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In this column, since last year, we have been reviewing tonic herbs for body systems. One category of such herbs is known as "neurotonics," since these herbs produce effects on the nervous system.
Since tonic herbs, by definition, exert bi-directional balancing actions on body processes, we would expect neurotonics to be capable of both relaxing as well as invigorating various aspects of neural functioning. Again, we should emphasize the tonic herb's action can be compromised or lost altogether by improper extraction procedures, or by combining the tonic herbs with non-tonic herbs which have the tendency to overpower tonic action. For example, although valerian root (discussed below) is a good tonic herb, it loses tonic action when combined with wood betony and skullcap, two herbs with good sedative action, but lacking the ability to balance neural function. The need for this balancing tonic action is especially important in the nervous system where balance is absolutely vital to healthy neural action. Virtually all internal glands and organs, as well as the heart and blood vessels, function in response to counterbalancing...